Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

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Two chapters in one day

Spock/Bones POV

Bones darted down the hallway towards the turbo lift that he hoped was functioning; intra-level stairs were not his favorite part of the Enterprise. Thankfully, when he pressed the button the lift popped open. Selecting Engineering as his destination, he tried to think back on the last eighteen days because he really didn't need to think about Christy's hug right now or he would be no good to anyone. His mind had been in such a torrent he was not sure if he knew exactly what was going on outside of Med Bay. They had been attacked, critically wounded and Jim was still on the planet below. They had been able to confirm the deaths of Jim's security team right before they lost the transmissions. So, now it was left to Spock and Scotty to devise a plan of action. He should have had a stronger drink than tea; they were working on a wing and prayer.

Jim was his best friend, as close to being a brother as one could get. Bones had been keeping that kid out of trouble for over five years now. Not knowing if Jim was alive down there was ripping the man's heart from his chest. But Bones would be ok. However, Spock was probably having a worse time than him. Spock and Jim were real best friends; they weren't the brotherly/family type like Jim and Bones. Spock really loved Jim; he couldn't deny that just like he couldn't deny that his ears were pointed. And Jim loved Spock. Throw in the fact that Spock had to replace Jim during this crisis and he had no outlet for his emotions that he tried to pretend not to have, it was a train wreck. Bones had to admit that the pointy-eared bastard didn't deserve to suffer alone.

Now, Bones was not going to dally in the rumor mill but he might have to side with Christy and finally realize that the love those two shared might go deeper than either man imagined. The glances, the touches and the understanding on such a deep level – the freaking angst - were all signs that those men were as stubborn as mules. There were Vulcan terms such as t'hy'la that would fit their relationship, but Bones really didn't want to regurgitate that wonderful lunch Christy had gotten for him, so he let that thought die. When Jim got back up here, he and Bones were going to have a long chat about Mr. Spock, because no self-respecting man could let his little brother go on like this.

The lift opened before Bones had even begun to get his thoughts in order. The Engineering Department still showed signs of the attack, but there were bodies wiggling with life every where, working on every available inch of space. They were like worker bees constantly buzzing, and their Queen was at the Warp chamber with Spock. Bones made his way towards the two men while visually inspecting every crewmember he remembered treating over the last few weeks and even some that he couldn't remember if they'd been injured or not. The doctor could find no flaw in those who had been patched back up and no one who need to be treated now. Satisfied for the moment, he watched Scotty's movements has he drew closer. The man had been under his personal care for over a week with life-threatening injuries. His movements showed no sign of hesitancy or favoritism to un-injured limbs. Bones McCoy might have been filled with stimulants but he was still a damn good physician.

The only crewmember that Bones could not remember seeing at all was Spock. He assessed the Vulcan from head to toe checking for any abnormalities, but all he could find was the immaculate Mr. Spock, as usual. He did notice that Spock was not as rigid as usual, he was tired and probably worried, but there was nothing Bones could do about that. Deciding to let his physician side rest, Bones stepped closer to join the rest of the command crew. "Gentlemen, I heard you are performing miracles down here." He tried to be light-hearted.

Scotty turned to see him. Relief that the good doctor had not managed to ruin himself completely at the cost of the crew and himself washed over the Engineer. "Aye!" He wrapped the younger man in a hug. "And I owe it all to you." More emotion than Scotty had meant to show crept into his voice.

Bones patted his back, gently pulling away. "It's all in a day's work." He rubbed Scotty's shoulder, soothing the other man and reassuring himself that he really was back in one piece. Both had lost so many of their crew. A moment of silence fell over the trio before Bones pushed forward. "Now tell me what is going on with all the rest of the equipment?" He turned to face Spock hoping he would understand the conversation needed to change direction.

Spock raised an eyebrow. He and Bones understood each other quite well, no matter how they came across to others. "We have been able to restore life support. Lieutenant Chekov is currently working to repair the transporter, while Mr. Scott and I are working to repair the warp core." Spock watched Bones' face as he inspected the Warp Core.

Bones sighed. What Spock had really said was 'we are working as fast as we can damnit and I need to be down here so I don't have to think about Jim'. Bones ran his hand over his face. Spock was just not Spock without Jim. "Nurse Chapel has sent me to assist you two. I'm sure you could use an extra set of hands. I promise I paid attention in my engineering classes back at the academy." He smiled quickly at Spock before Scotty led him away to change into cover-alls.

Spock watched the two men for a moment before turning back to his work. Spock knew that McCoy was down here because he did not want to think about Jim either. Just letting Jim's name echo in his head hurt the Vulcan in ways he had never before experienced. He now understood why humans believed that 'not knowing' was worse than 'knowing'. Spock turned back to his work trying to block out such thoughts. They would find Jim and get him back on board. They had to, because Spock could not take loosing another so close to him. He picked up where he had begun working before McCoy had interrupted, the Vulcan mask back in place.

Bones pulled on the cover-alls Scotty handed him. "How's Spock taking this?" He didn't look Scotty in the eye, afraid he would show too much of his own sorrow.

Scotty sighed as he leaned against the bulkhead. "I dunnae know much about Vulcans, McCoy, but I know a lot about humans and for a human Spock would be very depressed. As it is, Spock is upset, probably a lot more than I am able to tell. He is very worried about Jim. Not that it is affecting his ability to command, but you can just tell." He ran his palm over his shiny head. "We all are hurting, but you and Spock will be the most effected." Scotty whispered the last part.

Bones zipped up the suit. "You are damn straight." He set his jaw and headed back to Spock with Scotty on his heels. "So what is our plan, Commander?" He would have to keep this professional or he would break down and sob on the man's shoulder.

Spock shrugged. Pain blossomed in his chest, pain that he could not understand. He cared deeply for Jim, but this was the most unusual feeling. It hurt to breath, he could not eat, and he could not sleep. But Bones, as always, would be his support. In the eighteen days previous he had not had contact with the physician, so now in his presence the pain and hurt of loosing Jim seemed to bubble to the surface threatening to break his tight hold on his emotions, his mask once more slipping. He would lean on this human, on his friend. "We have to get this engine back online, re-establish communication and transporter capabilities and then we get Jim back. That is as far as I have thought, Leonard." He had not meant to let so much distress slip into his tone, his over-all Vulcan façade was slipping under so much stress not just with his facial expressions. His brown eyes sought out McCoy's green, silently begging for Jim to be alright.

It had been a long time since Bones' heart had broke, but seeing the Vulcan before him was a pitiful sight. He had been Spock's friend too long not to see the hurt and suffering in those brown eyes. With his own gloved hand he reached out and took Spock's arm. "Spock, we will get him back. But you have to be strong. I know this is killing you, hell it's killing me for both of you. We will get Jim Kirk back; I have no doubt in your capabilities." Then Bones did something he would have never done in a thousand years, he reached out and pulled the taller man into his embrace. Spock was hurting, and damnit this was the only way Bones knew how to comfort him.

Had Spock been any more human, he would have sobbed into McCoy's arms letting the surge of anguish flow free. As it was he was fighting the urge. He tentatively wrapped his own arms around McCoy. The human's embrace was comforting, more comforting that Spock would have ever thought possible. After all his attempts to hide his emotions, it was a simple act of human kindness that truly help Spock seek peace. McCoy was his rock, but Jim was his heart. His heart? He really needed to meditate before he had any more strange relapses in his logic. Spock slowly pulled back. "Thank you, McCoy that was agreeable." He straightened his suit, trying to regain his dignity.

Bones laughed and slapped him on the arm. "Agreeable? You green blooded Elf that was friendship, but don't get used to it. Leave it to Jim to turn his two best friends into such emotional wrecks that we are forced to hug each other for comfort!" He tried to brush off his compassion.

Spock raised an eyebrow. "When we have him back on board, I will endeavor to tell him of our misfortune without him." That was Spock teasing McCoy. Bones laughed again before turning to the Warp Core. Both men once again regained their composure tucking away this moment of lapse in judgment in the farthest reaches of their minds.

Scotty, who had watched in silence, thankful that Bones could help Spock in ways he would never be able to, cleared his throat. "Well, now laddies, let us get this fixed so we can get Jim back up here before you decided to braid each other's hair." For that comment Scotty got a glare from both parties, to which he answered with a laugh. He knew he was taking his life in his own hands if he ever dared mention this 'incident' to anyone ever.

"Communications to Commander Spock." Uhura's voice interrupted their work.

Spock made his way to the com unit on the wall. "This is Commander Spock." His voice was neutral of any excitement he was feeling.

"Sir, I have re-established communications. One of the natives is demanding to speak with the Commander of this vessel. He says he it is imperative that you speak with him." Uhura's voice wavered with fear.

Spock and Bones had not bothered to answer her; they were already running towards the turbo lift. Scotty turned back to his work determined to work that much faster.

A/N: Thanks for reading.

Yea, I know I'm a sap, but a little hug between two guys that are really friends is ok. Even if it is Spock. So, please don't hate me. The next chapters are going to be action, I promise, but I just had to sneak a little lovin' in there. Bones is just so hot, I had to do it!

And really what would you think if your two best friends looked at each other like Spock and Kirk do? Puh-lease!

Hit the review button and tell me what you think, please!